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Surprise send-off: N.C. Principal of the Year goes to Washington

John M. Setzler Jr. | Hickory Daily Record

Students and faculty at Tuttle Elementary School present roses to Principal DeAnna Finger as a send-off for her trip to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: October 22, 2009

MAIDEN - Tuttle Elementary School Principal DeAnna Finger is always the person offering the support and encouragement at the school.

On Wednesday, she was the one who received it.

This year, Finger was selected as the 2008-09 North Carolina National Distinguished Principal of the Year. On Wednesday, she left for Washington, D.C., to be recognized, but not before her students and staff gave her a proper send-off first.

"We're very proud and honored to call you our own," the announcements over the loudspeaker began Wednesday morning. "We all love and appreciate you for what you do, every day."

Finger was given a sash made out of preschool-ruled cardboard paper to wear around Tuttle Elementary School on Wednesday. It read, "N.C. Elementary Principal of the Year."

As she walked around the halls, each homeroom gave Finger a yellow rose wrapped in tissue paper.

When she walked down the fifth-grade hall, they all high-fived her and applauded. The first-grade students gave her hugs, then cheered, "Tuttle, Tuttle," followed by, "Finger, Finger."

First-grader Tyler Fitzpatrick said he likes having Finger as his principal.

"She's really nice," he said.

Charlie Pettry, another first-grader, said he also really likes Finger.

"She's the best in the state," he said. "She's nice and gives us stuff, like ice cream parties."

When Finger reached the third- and fourth-grade hall, the students shouted loudly for their principal.

"Who rocks the house? Ms. Finger rocks the house," they cheered.

Finger was all smiles as she greeted each student.

"I feel like Miley Cyrus," she said.

She had time to give each teacher a hug or kind word, too.

"DeAnna truly cares, and it's hard to find a principal anymore that does," said P.E. assistant Johnny Bailey. "If you don't have one that cares, it's hard to find a reason to be here. She's the main cog in the wheel at Tuttle."

Brooke Potocki, the Math Foundation county specialist, said Finger is not afraid to pitch in at any job at the school, which is why she is so loved.

"When I was out for a few days last year, she came in and taught my math class," Potocki said. "How many other principals would do that? What we're doing today is nothing compared to what she deserves."

Finger said she was so surprised by what the students and staff did.

"It's an overwhelming feeling of support from the school," she said.

She and her husband, Dwayne Finger, principal at Maiden High School, are attending the National Distinguished Principals of the Year three-day event in Washington, D.C., that culminates in an awards ceremony.

Finger said she'll attend different educational activities, including educational conferences, learn best teaching practices, make a video of principal training, network with other principals and have the opportunity to meet with political dignitaries.

"I'm proud to represent Tuttle Elementary and Catawba County," Finger said. "This is the best place to work, and their support is always gracious."